This scales your investing.Forces you to network and depend on a team leading to relationships = more businessForces you to develop communication and business systems to stay on trackConsNot as easy to physically be on site if neededReally it comes down to how you want to invest.

On the other hand, PM's need to get better at communicating, implementing available tech tools and managing expectations.What other elements am I missing in designing this symbiotic relationship?

Usually these issues can be solved with good communication and good boundary setting (if not, you need to think about getting rid of the tenant).

By working with your tenants and keeping the communication open about this issue, you can take proactive actions to prevent the pipes bursting.

And who is a good communicator.

Quality Communication.

Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to communicating with you about your current housing needs.

Make sure you have a buyers list that receives private communications.

I think a lot of the issue though comes down to communication.

In California, the landlord needs to return your deposit minus expenses within 21 days.I would recommend any future relationships you have with a landlord be formal and any communication regarding repair requests, lease terms/agreements,  etc be in writing.